Politics & Government

10:24 pm

Tue February 25, 2014

Alabama Committee Approves Fetal Heartbeat Bill

An Alabama legislative committee has voted to ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected -- something that can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

Credit Trance Mist / Flickr

An Alabama legislative committee has voted to ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected -- something that can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

The House Health Committee approved the fetal heartbeat bill Tuesday. Both sides of the abortion debate agree the proposal would ban most abortions if it becomes law. They also agreed the proposal will be destined for a court fight if given final approval.

North Dakota approved similar legislation, but a federal judge put the law on hold while a legal challenge plays out in court.

The committee also approved bills to increase the waiting period before an abortion; require proof of parenthood for parental consent for an abortion; and require expectant parents seeking an abortion because of lethal fetal anomalies to be advised about perinatal hospice services.